Three things for moving along the Growth Curve
In my last post, I talked about some awesome businesses I’m working with, the growth they are creating, and their ability to focus on a few key things to create maximum impact.
That was the what part of the picture. I’m always interested in how a group of people might make a shift too. That’s where the focus on what matters really stands out. I’m noticing that teams and businesses who are making it real, making it simple and getting things done tend to go big on three things:
Relationships: They create connection with people. Lots of people. For the purpose of…well…creating connection. They don’t do it and then ask for business. They just get to know people. They find out what connects them to the people who are, or might one day, be their customers. They dig deep to understand what matters to them, what’s getting in their way, and what awesome would look like. Their mission is not to just sell stuff. It’s to figure out how they can really make a difference that matters to people.
How would you rate the relationships you have with people who were, are or could one day be your customers?
Reputation: They tell their story. They get others to tell their story. They create a position in their respective markets that makes people want to partner with them. It might be a marketing campaign, but it can just as powerfully be asking for feedback from customers, or referrals and connections. When you ask people to share feedback with you, you get them started on how they might tell a story about you in another time, and another place, with someone who might get interested in working with you.
What stories are people telling about your team or business?
Results: There are many and varied ways to measure results in any enterprise. It’s probably no surprise that growing businesses identify the few key things within their control, and then go hard on shifting the needle on those. They can tell a story about the results they are achieving. They know exactly what they’ve been doing to get those results. And they know the impact they are having for the people they serve.
What’s within your control, and what are you doing to shift the needle?
I’ve got a view that there needs to be balance in all three of these.
Focusing on relationships and reputation? You’ve got great potential, but let’s start getting something done. What demonstrable results can you point to? If you haven’t got any, there’s your opportunity.
Loving getting results and building relationships? That’s partnership. Your existing customers love you, and love what you do. It’s great, but how are you getting your awesomeness out beyond your existing arena? If what you provide is making meaningful difference, you kind of owe it to the world to share it more widely.
Got a great reputation and known for delivering results? You have great positioning in the market. Sometimes though, that can make you seem a bit distant for people. Maybe you get caught up in delivering greatness and it’s a story for all to see, but your closest customers haven’t connected with you lately. Humans love connection, so go have coffee, a kōrero and reconnect with the people who love you for what you bring.
Get growing!